Tips to Prevent Your Kitten from Licking Her Sutures After Spaying Surgery

Spaying your kitten is an important procedure, but ensuring she doesn't lick her stitches can be a challenge. This behavior can delay recovery and even lead to infection. Here are effective strategies to prevent your kitten from accessing her sutures and maintain a smooth recovery.

Effective Solutions for Preventing Suture Licking

1. Elizabethan Collar (E-Collar)

The most common solution is the use of an Elizabethan collar. This collar is designed to prevent your kitten from reaching her abdomen. Make sure it fits properly and allows her to eat and drink comfortably. It can be challenging to adjust, so ensure she can still navigate her environment without too much difficulty.

2. Recovery Suit

Consider using a recovery suit or a soft bodysuit designed for pets. These can cover the surgical site and are often more comfortable than a traditional collar. They can significantly reduce the temptation for your kitten to lick her incision. Ensure the suit is easy to put on and take off to help with care routine.

3. Bitter-Tasting Spray

You can apply a pet-safe bitter-tasting spray around the suture area, but not directly on it. This can deter her from grooming the area. Always check with your veterinarian before using any products. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the spray.

4. Distraction

Provide plenty of toys and engage her in play to keep her occupied and distracted from licking. Active play not only distracts her but also helps maintain her physical fitness. Consider using food-dispensing toys to keep her mentally stimulated and focused on playing rather than grooming her incision.

5. Monitoring

Keep a close eye on her, especially during the first few days after surgery. If you notice her trying to lick the area, gently redirect her attention to a toy or another activity. Regular monitoring helps you intervene quickly if she starts to lick.

Important Note: If you are concerned about her licking or if the suture area looks red or inflamed, contact your veterinarian for advice. Sometimes, the E-collar alone may not be sufficient, and antibiotics may be necessary to treat an infection.

Signs of Infection and When to Seek Vet Advice

Even with the proper collar or suit in place, your kitten may start to lick the incision, particularly if an infection sets in. To catch this early, regularly check the area around the incision for signs of infection.

They will typically clean the area around the incision during the initial post-surgery clean up. However, if your kitten starts focusing on the incision, especially after ignoring it initially, it could be a sign that she has an infection. In such cases, it's best to contact her veterinarian for advice.

Following up with your veterinarian is crucial. A cone will prevent her from licking the wound, but it won't treat the underlying infection. This photo is of a foster kitten that initially underwent the usual post-surgery clean up but started obsessively licking three days later. She returned to the veterinarian, where she was treated with antibiotics and an E-collar.

Post-Op Care: Keeping the Incision Line Dry and Clean

It's important to keep the incision line as clean and dry as possible to promote healing. Avoid getting the area wet, and follow your veterinarian's instructions for bathing and cleaning.

Additional Product for Deterring Licking: There is a product you can safely apply around the incision line, but not on the suture line. It's called bitter lime. Both dogs and cats hate this stuff. If you don't have an Elizabethan collar for your cat, this product can effectively keep most pets from licking the wound.

Remember, proper care and attention are essential for a successful recovery. By using these methods, you can help ensure your kitten's incision heals properly and she can return to a healthy, active life as soon as possible.